If you’ve recently acquired a new car or are hoping to enhance an older one, you may be surprised to learn about these helpful tips! Whether you’re seeking aesthetic or practical solutions, these car hacks can benefit any car owner. While some hacks can pose dangers, we’ve compiled a list of 35 inventive examples to keep you occupied.
Increase the Range of the Key Fob
Are you dissatisfied with the distance that your car keys can reach? Try a peculiar but useful trick that can solve the issue! If you encounter a situation where your car is beyond the remote’s range, simply put the key fob on your chin and press the button once again.
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Check Your Tires with a Coin
To determine whether it’s necessary to purchase new tires for your car, you can utilize the penny test. This test depends on the tread depth of the tire, as a tire’s condition is judged based on it. The better the tire’s tread, the deeper it is.
In order to determine if your tires are worn out or not, get a penny and flip it over to have the head of Lincoln facing the ground. Proceed to place the penny into the grooves of the tire and measure how deep it goes. If the tread surpasses the forehead of Lincoln, then your tires still have some life left in them. On the other hand, if it does not pass the forehead, it’s time to get new tires.
Pull Out Dents with a Plunger
If you are a car driver and want to save money, there is another tip for you. Repairing a car dent can be very expensive, but it could be resolved by using a plunger. It may sound surprising, but this household item can quickly fix your car’s surface.
To even out the dent perfectly, place the plunger at the center of the dent and exert a strong pulling force. Repeat the process a few times if required to make the surface level.
Unfreeze the Keyhole
Your vehicle’s frozen keyhole can cause more trouble than just your windshield wipers and mirrors. Fortunately, we have an abundance of hand sanitizer which can be used to solve this problem.
Maximize the amount of hand sanitizer that you apply to the lock, either by pouring it from the container or directly onto the key. The alcohol content will generate heat and rapidly dissolve the ice, thereby unfreezing the entirety of the mechanism.
Fix Foggy Headlights
The problem of hazy headlights is not only limited to the appearance of your car but has a significant impact on the effectiveness of the lights during nighttime. This can create hazardous situations and increase the chances of accidents.
Certainly, if you have an additional $30, you may choose to have them repaired by a professional. Alternatively, you can attempt this trick instead. Apply toothpaste over the headlight and let it rest for a minute before massaging it in with a fresh cloth. Keep rubbing until the fog disappears.
The Hidden Lock
Every modern automobile is equipped with electric locks, which have their advantages and disadvantages. However, what course of action can you take in the event that the electrical aspects malfunction? Surprisingly, every car still possesses a manual lock, irrespective of whether the electric function is present or not.
When you go to your car next time, make sure to inspect the door handle for a small plastic part on the edge. Taking off this piece will reveal a traditional manual lock that could come in handy if you accidentally lock yourself out of your car.
Protect Wipers and Mirrors from Freezing
During the extremely cold winter days, having frozen windshield wipers and car mirrors can be a troublesome experience. It is advisable not to let these delicate parts of the automobile freeze as it can result in harm and avoidable expenses.
Fortunately, there is a way to safeguard your windshield wipers from the harsh effects of ice by using socks as a shield. By doing so, snow will not freeze on them and they will remain in pristine condition. On the other hand, since it’s not possible to cover the mirrors with socks, it’s recommended to use a suitable nylon bag for this task.
The Gas Tank Side
Have you ever experienced confusion while sitting in a new car or using your friend’s vehicle, not knowing the location of the fuel tank? It can be quite annoying when you accidentally park on the wrong side of the gas pump, but there is a simple hack that can solve this issue permanently.
By observing the details on your gas gauge, you can identify that a small arrow is situated next to the gas pump icon. This arrow directs towards the side of your car where the gas tank is found. I’m glad to assist you!
Driving in a Hurry
If you are in a hurry to get somewhere, it’s natural to drive faster and exceed the speed limit. But this action will only cause wear and tear to your brakes, as you will frequently have to stop at traffic lights on your way.
In essence, traffic signals are structured to give drivers who obey the speed limit a higher chance of encountering green lights. By maintaining a steady pace and driving without haste, you can minimize the likelihood of encountering red lights and thus increase your chances of arriving at your destination punctually.
Make Your Own Trash Can
Do you find it tiresome to pick up litter from all around your car? You can address this concern by making a small trash bin for your car, which can provide your passengers with a designated place to dispose of their garbage. Fortunately, there is a familiar household item that seems to be an ideal fit for this task.
Locate a regular plastic container that is typically used to store cereal and insert a plastic bag inside of it. Ensure the bag is secured in place by closing the lid over it. Afterward, place the makeshift trash can on the backseat of the car and appreciate the cleanliness and tidiness of the surroundings.
Freshen Up the Smell
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By placing scented sheets in the car, any unpleasant odors will be eliminated as the scent permeates the car. Additionally, occasional airing out of the car will also aid in maintaining a pleasant, fresh ambiance.
Find Your Car in a Parking Lot
It’s a scenario that we’ve all experienced before – arriving at a crowded parking lot, struggling to find a satisfactory spot, and returning later to discover that we have no recollection of where our car is located. Though it may be awkward to acknowledge, everyone has made this error at least once.
To ensure that you always remember where you parked your car, consider taking a snapshot of the environs. Look for a unique or distinct feature in the vicinity of the vehicle that will help you locate it effortlessly later on.
Keep the Car Cool
During hot summer days, if you happen to be driving without air conditioning, you will need to rely on the traditional window technique to keep the car cool. However, many individuals make an error by opening all four windows of the vehicle.
If all windows are opened during air travel, it will not create a pleasant effect. It is better to open only the first two windows as it will result in better air circulation and a cooler environment. Keeping the back windows closed will help with the circulation of air.
Absorb Moisture on Your Dash
At some point, you will need to address the issue of condensation in your car. The misty film on the windows can greatly affect your driving, and it may become increasingly frustrating over time. You can remedy this problem by utilizing a plain fabric bag stuffed with rice.
To create a small pocket for the rice, use an old shirt or any piece of cloth. After that, place the rice bag on the dashboard and let it soak up moisture in the vehicle. Additionally, you can occasionally place it in the microwave to remove any moisture present in the rice.
Keeping the Interior Clean
Keeping the interior of your car clean is crucial and not just the exterior. A spare coffee filter from your kitchen can be used to wipe down surfaces inside the car as an effective method to maintain cleanliness.
Coffee filters are surprisingly efficient for this particular task. Rather than spending money on expensive car wipes and other fancy products, you can easily get hundreds of filters at a low cost from your local supermarket.
The Keyring Hack
It is universally acknowledged that adding new keys to a keyring is a cumbersome task. The rigid metallic loop can hurt your fingers and cause discomfort if handled carelessly. Here’s a simple approach to adding items to your keyring effortlessly.
To keep your keys arranged systematically and avoid injuring your fingers, use a stapler to keep the metal rings spaced as you insert the new key. Ensure not to over-stretch the ring.
Take off Stickers
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The entire look of the vehicle may be ruined by this. To remove stickers without any marks, utilizing a hairdryer is a method. Warm up the adhesive portion till it can be easily taken off.
Keep the Cup Holders Clean
Cup holders are one of the most convenient features of your car’s interior, although they do get dirty and messy way too quickly. Instead of having to vacuum the holders every three days, you can put cupcake cups inside to catch the debris.
The cups will prevent dust and debris from piling up in the holders and you can easily replace them whenever necessary. That way, your vehicle will stay clean and fresh for days. Just make sure you replace the cups when they get dirty.
Make Use of the Seat Warmer
There’s nothing more frustrating than being stuck in traffic when delivering pizza to your family at home. You might have planned out a great family dinner, but a cold pizza won’t make it any better.
Luckily, you can keep the pizza warm by placing it on the passenger’s seat and turning on the seat warmer. If your car has this feature, you are qualified to be the next best delivery person in town.
The Garage Opener
How many times did you find yourself in front of the garage, ready to park, and realized that you can’t find the garage door remote? If you have a garage, we guarantee you’ve been in this situation at least once.
Believe it or not, you can solve this issue by installing the garage door opener inside your vehicle. This might take a bit of DIY, as you will have to connect the wiring of a push button to the remote controller, although you can always ask a professional to get it done for you.
Fix Tiny Scratches with Nail Polish
Let’s face it, no one wants to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars repainting the entire vehicle because of a small scratch. Unfortunately, there will always be a scratch or two poking at your eyes, no matter how hard you try to keep the car intact.
Luckily, you can cover up small scratches with nail polish. All you have to do is go out there and find the right shade. If anything, there are dozens of colors and shades you can choose from to best fit the color of your car.
Stop Hitting the Back Wall in the Garage
How many times did the front end of your vehicle meet the back wall inside of your garage? Even if it’s just small, insignificant contact, it can lead to damage and scratches over time. Something as small as a tennis ball can solve this issue.
Measure out the distance from your front windshield to the wall in the garage. Then set up a tennis ball on a string just so it touches the windshield when you’ve reached the perfect distance. That way, you will know exactly when to stop when parking your vehicle.
The Garage Noodle
While pool noodles might seem completely useless in real life, they can come in handy for many purposes outside the pool. In fact, a noodle can protect your car’s door in the garage and save you money on unwanted repairs.
If you have a smaller garage and you’re struggling to get in and out of the car all the time, then the pool noodle door protector is a must-have. Simply cut the noodle in half and glue it to the wall at the spot where the car door usually touches it.
Melt Windshield Ice with Vinegar
Icy windshields are just another thing on the list of car problems during winter days. If you’re in a rush to get to work and you don’t have time to run the car heater long enough to melt the ice, we have a quicker solution for you.
Mix some vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it all over the frozen windshield. Give it a minute to dissolve and you will quickly see the ice melting away. Clean up the mess and you’re good to go!
Clean the Interior with Goo
You know all those fancy slime videos you saw on the internet? Well, they might come in handy now because the slime can be used to clean the interior of your vehicle better than any cloth you’ll find out there.
You can find this gooey substance in any auto shop or dealership. Use it to remove dust from places that are difficult to reach, such as the AC vent or the detailed surfaces of the dash. Simply wash the gooey slime later and you’re good to go!
Use the Sun
Are you tired of running the heat or mixing vinegar to melt windshield ice? You can battle this issue naturally by choosing to park your vehicle in a different direction. Let the sun melt the ice for you so you won’t have to waste time on this tedious task.
Next time you park the car, make sure the windshield is facing east so it can be met by the morning sun. Still, if the sun is not strong enough in the morning, you might have to deal with the ice yourself.
Get More Gas
Everyone tries to be as quick and efficient as possible when pumping gas at the station, as if someone is chasing us out of there. However, this is not the kind of situation where you want to be in a hurry.
If you slow down and allow the tank to fill up at a slower rate, you will let less air inside, and thus get more gas. To do so, hold the gas pump at 50% instead of squeezing it all the way as you normally would.
Cool a Hot Car During Summer
There’s nothing worse than having to sit in a sizzling hot car on a hot day in July. If your car has been sitting in the sun all day, you are really in for a treat when you sit inside. However, you can keep this hack in mind to avoid unpleasant situations like these.
To cool the car quickly, roll down the window at the passenger’s side and then open and close the driver’s door multiple times. This will force the hot air out of the vehicle and allow it to cool down faster.
Improvised Cell Phone Holder
If you don’t have a smartphone holder in your car and you don’t feel like investing in one, here’s a quick way to make your own DIY version. All you have to do is slip a tight rubber band through the air condition vent and let it hold the phone in place.
This might not be the most aesthetic long-term solution, but it will come in handy in situations where you need to use GPS on your phone. Most importantly, make sure the rubber band you choose is strong enough to hold the phone.
Pop Out Car Dents
We’ve already mentioned one easy way to fix dents in your car using a plunger. If that proves to be too difficult, here’s another simple solution you should try. For this one, you are going to need nothing but some hot water.
Boil some water and pour it over the small dent on your car. The heat will expand the plastic and thus pull the dent out. However, keep in mind that this is only efficient for smaller and less significant dents.
Use Shoes as Extra Cup Holders
As a driver, don’t you wish there were more than one or two cup holders. Sometimes, that just isn’t enough for the number of drinks you want to carry around during a ride. Or maybe the cup holders you do have aren’t that sturdy, especially when taking sharp turns.
One thing you could use as an alternative is one (or more) of your shoes. While it might not be the most aesthetically pleasing hack on this list, it sure does work.
Polish Dashboards With Kitchen Appliances
While olive oil is good for a variety of purposes such as cooking, as well as hair and skin treatment, don’t underestimate the power it has to handle certain aspects of your car.
If you take a bottle of olive oil and combine it with another kitchen appliance; some coffee filters, you’ve got yourself a makeshift, but effective, scratch-free polishing hack. Just pour some oil on the filter, give the dashboard a wipe and it will pick up tons of dust.
Tinted Plastic Sheets Provide Shade
A hack that pilots use that many drivers could benefit from in the future is as follows: covering parts of your windshield using tinted plastic sheets. This helps anyone behind the wield from being distracted by glares from the sun.
Amazingly, static from the windshield is what helps the sheets stick to the window. While visors are certainly known for achieving the same goal, many have praised the following hack for being just as effective, if not more.
Keep Your Windshield Wipers Fresh
An expert on car hacks by the name of Jim Nobilone provided the following tip to help one improve the clarity of their windshield in the long term. “When you’re behind the wheel, nothing is more crucial than good visibility,” he said.
“But like most other drivers, I usually procrastinate cleaning my windshield wipers or even replacing them if necessary.” So he recommended taking a white rag, applying some glass cleaner and wiping it up and down each wiper.
Makeshift Car Air Freshener
Let’s face it – car air fresheners can be very expensive and aren’t always that effective. Who’s to say that we can’t create our own makeshift versions that do an even better job? The following hack solves this problem and in a pretty simple way.
Pierce some holes in a mason jar lid, add scented candle wax to the jar. When it reaches a certain temperature in the car, the wax melts and provides a nice fragrance.
DIY Towel Holder
It’s always useful having some paper towels available. Maybe you spilled something or there’s a bit to much dust and grime in important places. Paper towels are very important but where are you supposed to put them in a car?
Donald Bolad came up with the following hack: “Attach a roll of paper towels to the inside of your car trunk lid with a short bungee cord. The towels will be handy but won’t take up space (or get wrecked) rolling around your trunk.”
Makeshift Car Mats
Not every car has built-in carpet and the ones you can buy from car stores can prove to be pretty pricey, to say the very least. However, there is a way to solve this problem on the cheap. At Home Depot stores, you can by carpet scraps for less than two bucks.
One thing we do advise though is to not put these mats on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Only do this if grippers are attaching them to the floor of the car.
Pool Noodles to Prevent Losing Possessions
You would be surprised by just how many things you can do with pool noodles. And you can also use them to solve the following problem. There has never been a driver who hasn’t dropped something valuable down the side of their seat – it is simply inevitable.
Whether it is some change, your keys or even your wedding ring, just wedge cut pieces of pool noodles down the side and you’ll be good to go.
Hooks for Groceries
Of course, most if not all cars have a trunk where you can store your bags of groceries. However, what if you simply bought too much? Or maybe your trunk is already full and you have run out of room on the backseat? Look no further than the following hack.
Simply place the hanger on the front seats and you can use these to hang grocery bags from. No more cracked eggs and spilled milk. Grocery shopping is going to be straightforward from now on.
Sticky Dashboard Pad
This is one of those hacks that are not that easy. You will have to look online for the specific appliance. But basically, this sticky pad allows drivers to stick some valuable things onto it without the fear of it falling down the sides of the car seat.
What’s even better about it is that you can remove it pretty easily. You can stick virtually anything onto it, from cellphones and notebooks to keys, wallets and purses.
Mesh Bungee Net for Storage
If you’re always running out of storage space in your car, here’s a quick fix that will help you make more room for your daily essentials. All you need is some mesh net and bungee cords to make your own ceiling storage department.
Tie the cord to all four hand-holders in the car and you will have plenty of room to fit in an extra bag or some smaller items. Mesh nets are quite cheap, so this might even be one of the cheapest storage fixes out there.
Make a Back Seat Organizer
Things can get pretty messy in the back of your car if you don’t have some sort of an organization system in place. The best way to keep things organized is to use a seat organizer with mesh pockets for different essentials.
Instead of investing extra money in car storage organizers, you can simply use a mesh shoe organizer and save yourself a few bucks. These organizers won’t take up too much space but will provide more room for small items, bottles, and similar things you’ll find in the back of the car.
Solve the Mess in the Trunk
The messiest part of any car is usually the trunk where we shove all sorts of things that we do and don’t need. Luckily, there is an easy way to organize your trunk with nothing but a few laundry baskets.
Laundry baskets will help you keep things tidy and allow you to make the best out of the storage space. Since laundry baskets can be placed on one another, you can easily create a shelf system for extra storage room.
Survive the Winter Driving Season
Driving in winter can be quite challenging, especially on the coldest days when the road gets icy. If there is not enough friction between the tires and the frozen road, you will likely struggle to keep driving safely.
One way to make winter driving feel safer is to add more weight to the back tires. To do so, purchase a couple of bags of water softener salt bags and place them at the edge of the trunk. Keep in mind that this won’t be of any help for front-wheel-drive vehicles.
Set up a Dash Cam
Lastly, this is not much of a shocking, new hack, but rather, a useful piece of advice for drivers of any experience level. Setting up a dashcam in your car will make you feel safer as you drive, since your movement on the road will be recorded.
That way, you will have clear proof and evidence of what happened in case of any car accidents or events on the street. A dashcam is a one-time investment that will save you money for years down the road.
